Kwazi Gilmer’s arrival in Nebraska wasn’t just a market move; it was a statement of intent. The star wide receiver, a transfer from UCLA, met with the media in Lincoln for the first time on Wednesday, and his words have sparked a new wave of hope for a fanbase hungry to return to the elite.
1. The Human Factor and the «Ceyair Wright Effect»
Gilmer confessed that while the coaching staff was key, one name tipped the scales: Ceyair Wright. Despite Wright exhausting his eligibility, he convinced Gilmer by describing his own personal transformation in Lincoln.
«He told me how it changed him as a man. He was the first person I called when I got back to L.A. to say, ‘Bro, I love it here,’» the receiver revealed.
2. Los Angeles vs. Lincoln: Clear Priorities
Culturally, the shift is drastic, but Gilmer is embracing it fully.
«Up here, all we’ve got is football, and I love that. In UCLA it was different; here, we’re all brothers, we stick together.»
That «football-first» mentality is exactly what he was looking for to take the next leap in his career.
3. A «Dog» at Quarterback: The Connection with Anthony Colandrea
Gilmer is no stranger to high-level QBs, having caught passes from Nico Iamaleava, but he is already impressed with Anthony Colandrea.
«I’m not going to lie, he’s a dog. He’s looking to throw it deep, looking to scramble to give us receivers a chance. I love that,» he stated. This early chemistry suggests that the «Big Play» will be a staple in Lincoln this fall.
4. Depth and «Grit» on the Line
Unlike his time at UCLA, where he felt like the primary—and perhaps too comfortable—target, Gilmer celebrates the depth of Nebraska’s receiver room, mentioning names like Jacory Barney Jr. and Nyziah Flournoy-Smith.
«They make me work harder every day.» He also praised the offensive line under Geep Wade: «Those boys got grit. They are giving Anthony all the time in the world.»